Lifesaving Award to go to Union County Deputy Manager

Union County Deputy Manager William Reyes will be honored with the Civilian Award for bravery by the New Jersey State Firemen’s Mutual Benevolent Association (FMBA), at the annual FMBA Valor Awards Banquet on Saturday, April 26 at the Pines Manor in Edison, New Jersey.

Reyes, who is trained in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, took measures to save the life of Elizabeth resident Salvatore Coppa, who suffered a massive heart attack while attending the Union County Columbus Day flag raising ceremony in Elizabeth on Oct. 9, 2013. He has since recovered.

Coppa is a former Chairman of the Elizabeth chapter of the Italian American service organization UNICO, and he is a member of the Elizabeth Avenue Partnership.
“On behalf of the Freeholder Board, I’d like to congratulate Bill Reyes on receiving this honor, and to thank all of those who were involved in the effort,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak.

Assisting in the rescue and nominated for the award were Courtney Villani, Aida St. John, and Steve Rinaldi, who along with Reyes is in the Union County Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) program.

More information about the FMBA Valor Awards is available from New Jersey FMBA, 732-499-9633, headquartered at 1447 Campbell St. in Rahway.